Solar PV Analysis of Vientiane, Laos
Vientiane, Laos is a good location for year-round solar energy production because it's in the Tropics where sunlight is consistent throughout most of the year. The amount of energy you can expect to generate from each kilowatt of installed solar panels varies slightly by season: 5.73 kilowatt-hours per day in the summer, 5.23 in autumn, 5.85 in winter, and 5.98 in spring.
This means that spring and winter are slightly better times for generating solar energy at this location than summer and autumn due to higher daily output levels. However, the differences between seasons are not very large so you could still get a decent amount of power throughout the year.
When installing solar panels at this location, it's recommended to tilt them at an angle of 18 degrees towards the South for optimal performance across all seasons.
As for local factors that might affect your solar panel performance: Vientiane is characterised by wet and dry seasons which could potentially impact your energy production if not properly managed.
During wet season, frequent rainfalls may temporarily reduce sunlight exposure on your panels leading to lower power generation; however this can be mitigated with appropriate cleaning and maintenance practices to keep them free from dirt or debris build-up that could block sunlight even further.
On top of that, potential shading from trees or buildings may also affect how much sun hits your panels so it's important to consider these when choosing where exactly on your property you want to install them.
In summary: Vientiane is generally a favourable spot for generating solar power thanks its consistent sunlight exposure throughout most part of the year; just remember proper installation (tilt angle) and maintenance (cleaning) practices as well as considering any potential shading issues during site selection process will help ensure maximum efficiency out of your system.
Note: The Tropics are located between 23.5° North and -23.5° South of the equator.
So far, we have conducted calculations to evaluate the solar photovoltaic (PV) potential in 2 locations across Laos. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.
Link: Solar PV potential in Laos by location
Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Vientiane
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 17.9641, Longitude: 102.5987 (Vientiane, Laos), based on our analysis of 8760 hourly intervals of solar and meteorological data (one whole year) retrieved for that set of coordinates/location from NASA POWER (The Prediction of Worldwide Energy Resources) API:
Ideally tilt fixed solar panels 18° South in Vientiane, Laos
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Vientiane, Laos (Lat/Long 17.9641, 102.5987) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 18° South for fixed panel installations.
As the Earth revolves around the Sun each year, the maximum angle of elevation of the Sun varies by +/- 23.45 degrees from its equinox elevation angle for a particular latitude. Finding the exact optimal angle to maximise solar PV production throughout the year can be challenging, but with careful consideration of historical solar energy and meteorological data for a certain location, it can be done precisely.
We use our own calculation, which incorporates NASA solar and meteorological data for the exact Lat/Long coordinates, to determine the ideal tilt angle of a solar panel that will yield maximum annual solar output. We calculate the optimal angle for each day of the year, taking into account its contribution to the yearly total PV potential at that specific location.
Seasonally adjusted solar panel tilt angles for Vientiane, Laos
If you can adjust the tilt angle of your solar PV panels, please refer to the seasonal tilt angles below for optimal solar energy production in Vientiane, Laos. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 18° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2° South in Summer | 24° South in Autumn | 34° South in Winter | 11° South in Spring |
Our recommendations take into account more than just latitude and Earth's position in its elliptical orbit around the Sun. We also incorporate historical solar and meteorological data from NASA's Prediction of Worldwide Energy Resources (POWER) API to assign a weight to each ideal angle for each day based on its historical contribution to overall solar PV potential during a specific season.
This approach allows us to provide much more accurate recommendations than relying solely on latitude, as it considers unique weather conditions in different locations sharing the same latitude worldwide.
Calculate solar panel row spacing in Vientiane, Laos
We've added a feature to calculate minimum solar panel row spacing by location. Enter your panel size and orientation below to get the minimum spacing in Vientiane, Laos.
Our calculation method
- Solar Position:
We determine the Sun's position on the Winter solstice using the location's latitude and solar declination. - Shadow Projection:
We calculate the shadow length cast by panels using trigonometry, considering panel tilt and the Sun's elevation angle. - Minimum Spacing:
We add the shadow length to the horizontal space occupied by tilted panels.
This approach ensures maximum space efficiency while avoiding shading during critical times, as the Winter solstice represents the worst-case scenario for shadow length.
Topography for solar PV around Vientiane, Laos
Vientiane, the capital of Laos, is located in the Mekong River Valley and is largely flat. The city is surrounded by tropical rainforests and a few hilly areas. The Mekong River forms a significant part of the landscape.
Regarding solar PV installation, it would be most suited to flat, open areas that receive substantial sunlight throughout the year. Given Vientiane's tropical climate with ample sunshine and its relatively flat topography, large-scale solar PV could potentially be installed in non-forested outskirts of the city or on rooftops within urban areas.
However, it's important to note that detailed feasibility studies considering various factors like land use policies, environmental considerations etc., should be conducted before deciding on specific locations for large-scale solar PV installations.
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Saturday 20th of January 2024
Last Updated: Wednesday 26th of June 2024
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Compare this location to others worldwide for solar PV potential
The solar PV analyses available on our website, including this one, are offered as a free service to the global community. Our aim is to provide education and aid informed decision-making regarding solar PV installations.
However, please note that these analyses are general guidance and may not meet specific project requirements. For in-depth, tailored forecasts and analysis crucial for feasibility studies or when pursuing maximum ROI from your solar projects, feel free to contact us; we offer comprehensive consulting services expressly for this purpose.
Helping you assess viability of solar PV for your site
Calculate Your Optimal Solar Panel Tilt Angle: A Comprehensive Guide
Enhance your solar panel's performance with our in-depth guide. Determine the best tilt angle using hard data, debunk common misunderstandings, and gain insight into how your specific location affects solar energy production.
